The king of Assyria that plays a prominent role in today's scripture is Sennacherib of Assyria. Here is a bas relief of him that was recovered in dig in Nineveh.
It is tempting when we read the Bible to only assume that these historical figures only existed in their Bible roles. But these were living, breathing people who had mothers and fathers (in Sennacherib's case, his father was the famous Sargon II. Click here for Sargon's impressive biography.), and who had problems and concerns other than the Children of Israel.
Sennacherib inherited a huge empire from his dad. Almost immediately, the Chaldeans and Arameans revolted in what is now Babylon and he spent most of his reign fighting the rising Babylonians as they will soon be known. The campaign with Judah was a relatively minor skirmish for him. The Bible makes it sound like there were 2 campaigns although remaining Assyrian documents show only one. In any regard, Sennacherib is killed by his son in 581 BC and is succeeded by his wife of another son as regent.
So knowing all this, how are we to interpret today's scripture and does it matter at all to us as Bible faithfuls or Bible scholars? (I get to call you that. Anyone who has been in the Word like we have for the last 6 months qualifies to be called a Bible Scholar.)
Here's where I think it matters. Once you know the back story, you can look for REASONS people do what they do. That makes it more interesting and I think you can identify with these dry pages as people in a tight spot or having to juggle a revolt against a siege.
Sennacherib was looking for another route to subdue the Babylonians. Judah is in the way. Plus, Judah is conspiring with Eqypt who probably was helping out the Babylonians. Sennacherib sees how weak Judah is, sweeps down through the territories that he already owns in Israel and attacks all the fortified cities who collapse one by one against him until he gets to Jerusalem. In his arrogance, Sennacherib thinks that his mighty chariots and warriors (remember, Hezekiah has NO CHARIOTS and no metal armor and darn few warriors) will easily overpower Jerusalem. What would be not nice is to have to deal with a siege. Messy businesses, sieges. Dying people, fugitives, skirmishes, can last for several months to several years. Sennacherib needs to get back to the Babylonian business. Hence, the nasty commander speech in Hebrew. Morale is a power foe/help in war.
When the Assyrians are not immediately successful, they have to retreat in order to handle another revolution by the Babylonians. Thus, Hezekiah and his allegiance to God prevail.
Our God is God of history, past, present and future. I find that comforting.
May you have a restful Sunday and stay hydrated. It is 104 degrees as I write this in Atlanta at 8 PM.
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